Heavy Metals, Mining, General Industry in LusakaZambia | Kafue River Basin Heavy Industry, Fertilizers, General Industry, Mining The problem The Kafue River Basin in the Chingola District, Zambia has experienced heavy polluting over the past several decades. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is the primary source of this pollution, disposing of industrial waste products and various bio-chemical substances directly into the reservoirs. They are not the only polluters, however, as the region is home to roughly 40% of the nation’s socio-economic activity; a range of other industries are also at fault for the current state of the river basin: pulp-and-paper mills, fertilizer factories, granulation plants, abattoirs, textile manufacturers, and more. More than 93,000 tons of industrial waste are produced annually, most of which finds it way into the Kafue River. From there it flows into the Zambezi River – Africa’s fourth largest – that claims Zambia as its source and winds through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before eventually emptying out into the Indian Ocean.

As a result of the pollution, the steadily increasing population in the Chingola District face severe water shortages. The full extent of the environmental impact has not yet been determined, but because of significant habitat destruction and land/soil degradation, the cost to local ecosystems is likely quite high. The color of the brilliantly blue Kafue River has slowly turned green. Indigenous fish have developed an unusual and unpleasant odor. Aquatic weeds dumped by some facilities into the river system, combined with nitrogen and phosphate waste from other facilities, together degrade biodiversity. Both aquatic life and human health are in danger. High incidences of environmentally mediated disease, such as gastro-enteritis, intestinal worms, and diarrhea diseases mostly in children have been reported from communities around the river and have been linked to drinking water from certain parts of the river. The raw sewer pollution of Kafue River could inadvertently lead to outbreaks of epidemics like cholera. Current Activity Our strategy involved a three-pronged approach: extensive surveys of current pollution levels, strategic monitoring of KCM and other industrial waste disposal, and the development of novel weed control technologies. The first stage involved surveying the most dramatically polluted sites along the Kafue River basin.

Once the sites were identified, they were brought to the attention of stakeholder groups (including the local communities and polluting companies) and policy makers, methods were suggested to treat or reduce pollution levels and a dialogue was promoted between our team and interested parties at all levels of the existing socio-economic framework. Data dissemination was facilitated through workshops and community meetings. Essentially, the primary focus of this first stage was awareness and education. The second phase of our strategy focused on GPS monitoring systems. We demonstrated how GPS can be used as a cost-effective method of tracking pollution and polluters, that additionally could be made available to much of sub-Saharan Africa. We also promoted a physical inspection timeline where the resources necessary to acquire GPS systems were not available. Although law enforcement is poor and institutional systems are weak, the third stage of our approach called for management protocols that addressed weed control and other forms of pollution in the Kafue river basin. By involving the stakeholder groups, we sought to prioritize the long-term effects of environmentalists working to improve the river’s quality and develop a form of systematic follow-up.

Outcome ARE is focusing its efforts on compelling the Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant, the Bata Tannery, Kafue Nitrogen Chemicals, and Lee Yeast to establish cleaner production and waste treatment methods that will minimize harmful discharge into the river. ARE is currently lobbying the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the National Water and Sanitation Council, and multilateral cooperating partners to bring about a stop to the dumping. Recently, ARE has worked with the local administration and industry to bring about production process improvements in Bata Tannery, such as reduction and reuse of effluent streams and more thorough wastewater treatment. Future Plans: ARE continues to work on advocating for improvements in operation at Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant, in addition to participating in various African networks on water quality. ARE continuously monitors pollution streams from industrial plants. Blacksmith is working with NGOs, the local administration and industry to reduce pollution of the Kafue River from copper mines, metallurgical plants, textile plants, fertilizer factories, sugar processing plants, cement factories, various agricultural activities, and the Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant (KSTP).

The Kafue River, part of the Zambezi basin, is a source of potable water for over forty percent of Zambia's population. For decades, Mineral deposits, chemicals, and suspended solids have led to overgrowth of aquatic weeds, choking river life. By helping the coalition to implement the reduction and reuse of effluent streams and more thorough wastewater treatment, the river is on its way to recovery. Zambezi | WWF Zambezi Victoria Falls, considered the the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi. Creative Commons licence © Howard Chalkley Home of the world's largest waterfall The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean. The 2,574 km long river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi's most spectacular feature is Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfalls. The river supports large populations of many animals. Hippopotamuses are abundant along most of the calm stretches of the river, and many crocodiles are also present.

Monitor lizards are found in many places. Bird life is abundant, with species including heron, pelican, egret and African Fish Eagle present in large numbers. Riverine woodland also supports many large animals, such as buffalo, zebras, giraffes and elephants . The Zambezi supports several hundred species of fish, some of which are endemic to the river. Important species include cichlids which are fished heavily for food, as well as catfish, tigerfish, yellowfish and other large species. Current threats Sewage effluent is a major cause of water pollution around urban areas, as inadequate water treatment facilities in all the major cities of the region force them to release untreated sewage into the river. This has resulted in eutrophication of the river water and has facilitated the spread of diseases of poor hygiene such as cholera, typhus and dysentery. The Kariba Dam and Cahora Bassa Dam have reduced flooding of the Zambezi and have disrupted fish, bird and other wildlife feeding and breeding patterns. The dams have also interefered with traditional farming and fishing patterns.

As regular flooding has been reduced, people have inhabited floodplain areas, but these areas are still inundated in an extreme flood event – this has resulted in greater loss of life and damage to propert than was previously experienced. Zambezi River watershed © Revenga, C., S. Murray, J. Abramovitz, and A. Hammond, 1998. Watersheds of the World: Ecological Value and Vulnerability. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute. Countries The Zambezi River | Zambezi Traveller - The Traveller's Friend The Zambezi River THE ZAMBEZI RIVER The Zambezi River itself travels 2,574 kilometres from its source on the Central African Plateau to its huge coastal delta on the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi directly flows through, or along the borders, of Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi's most well-known geographical feature is the Victoria Falls. Other notable falls include the Chavuma Falls at the border between Zambia and Angola, and Ngonye Falls, near Sioma in Western Zambia.

Man-made features include the Kariba and Cahora Bassa Dams. Major tributaries of the Zambezi include the Kafue, Cuando (or Kwando), Gwayi, Manyame, Mazoe, Luangwa and Shire Rivers.The present-day Zambezi system can be divided up into three separate sections, each differing in its landscape characteristics, its geological history and its biodiversity. These are the Upper Zambezi, the Middle Zambezi, and the Lower Zambezi. Upper Zambezi The Upper Zambezi is geomorphologically the oldest part of the basin and has probably not changed substantially for some 2-5 million years. From humble beginnings, the Zambezi rises as a small bubbling stream near Mwinilunga in the Kalene Hills, north-western Zambia, close to the borders with Angola and the Congo. The source is located 1,524 metres above sea level.

[See Hallowed birthplace of our great river (Zambezi Traveller, Issue 06, Sept 2011) for more on the source of the Zambezi.] From its source the Zambezi flows south-west and into Angola for about 240 km, where it is joined by a much larger tributary, before turning south and back into Zambia. When it re-enters Zambia the Zambezi is approximately 400m wide. At Chavuma Falls, a few kilometres downstream from the border, the river is forced through a narrow gap in an outcrop of hard volcanic rock and tumbles over a three metre high waterfall. These falls are drowned each year under the high seasonal water levels. From its source to Chavuma, about 350 km downstream, the river drops about 400 metres. From here to the Victoria Falls, 800 km distant, the level of the basin is very flat and uniform, dropping only by another 180 metres.

The river is wide and slow flowing through this section, travelling over a thick mantle of sand, evidence of the past northern extension of the Kalahari Desert, and forming the vast Barotse Floodplain which extended for some 200 km. In the rainy season the width of the flooded river can reach up to 25 km. This is the domain of the Lozi people, who live, farm and fish on the floodplains during low water and whose lives are dominated by the seasonal flood cycle of the river. During the rainy season when the plains are in flood, they move to higher ground and forest fringes to escape the flood waters, led by their king, the Litunga, in an annual migration ceremony known as the Kubomboka. South of the settlement of Senanga the Ngonye Falls are worthy of note. Situated a few hundred kilometres upstream of the Victoria Falls, near a small town called Sioma, they are formed by the same geological process as the Victoria Falls, with cracks in the underlying basalt riverbed being eroded away to form the drop.

Their height is only 10-25 meters, but the width of the falls forms a broad crescent, interrupted by rocky outcrops, creating an impressively picturesque scene. Upstream of these falls, the river is broad and shallow as it flows across Kalahari sands, but below the falls extensive white water rapids exist, as the river is hemmed in by gorges cut into basalt rock, much like the Victoria Falls but on a smaller scale. Further south, the Zambezi turns east and briefly forms the border between Zambia and Namibia's Caprivi Strip before emerging from the Caprivi Swamps along the Botswana border, where it is joined by one its major tributaries, the Cuando or Chobe River. Here, the Caprivi-Kavango region of Namibia reaches out to meet the Zambezi and the river briefly forms the border between Zambia and Namibia before emerging from the Caprivi Swamps, where it is joined by one its major tributaries, the Cuando or Chobe River. Here four countries meet - Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

[See The great enigmas (Zambezi Traveller, Issue 13, June 2013) for more on this part of the Zambezi.] It was in this region during the mid 1800s that the Makololo established dominance over the Lozi, eventually subjugating their whole kingdom. It was during this time that Dr David Livingstone first explored this region, discovering the river and being the first to link it with the known river mouth of the Zambezi on the east coast. The Makololo were later overthrown by the Lozi who regained their kingdom. At Katima Mulilo the river is crossed by its first major transport bridge (opened in 2004), linking with Sesheke in Zambia. Kazungula marks the official border and river crossing point between Botswana and Zambia. About 20km downstream from Kazungula the swamplands end and the Zambezi traverses the Katambora rapids, with swirling white waters for several kilometres, before again entering a section of calmer waters. Kazungula town is the tourism access point to the Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s great safari destinations.

Flowing east from the swamps the Zambezi River's valley and flood plain is wide and broad, ridged by sandstone hills, through which the river gently meanders. Here the river lies at an altitude just over 900 meters above sea-level, on the basalt sheet of the south-central African Plateau. As it continues eastwards it suddenly reaches a chasm which cuts directly across the width of the river bed, over which it flows creating the spectacular Victoria Falls. Middle Zambezi The Victoria Falls are known as one of the largest, or greatest, waterfalls of the world. Whilst by no means the tallest, or largest in terms of annual flow, the combination of height and width and flow in seasonal flood, and spectacular geological formation and setting, make it certainly one of the greatest. The tourism needs of this natural wonder are served by the small tourist town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and tourism hub of Livingstone in Zambia.

[See The smoke that thunders (Zambezi Traveller, Issue 13, June 2013) for more on the Victoria Falls.] Below the Falls the Zambezi zigzags in a southerly direction through the steadily deepening Batoka Gorge, as it descends some 260m, its power and flow concentrated in the narrow channel and flowing over 60 rapids, and one waterfall, the Moemba Falls (some 50 km downstream of the Falls), until it emerges from the basaltic plateau and turns east where it is drowned under the waters of Lake Kariba and its dam, 240km from the Falls. Lake Kariba was created in 1959 following the completion of the Kariba Dam, drowning the Gwembe Valley, home of the Tonga people. It is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and the hydroelectric power-generating facilities provide electricity to much of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The flooding of the river valley displaced over 50,000 Tonga people from their traditional lands. The small tourist town of Kariba nestles on the Zimbabwean side of the river.

The lake offers many tourism options, and transport connections to the Zambian side. [See The Middle Zambezi (Zambezi Traveller, Issue 13, June 2013) for more on this part of the Zambezi.] Below Kariba, the Zambezi is swollen from the north by the Kafue River as the Zambezi runs between Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Parks. At its junction with the Luangwa River, and after forming the international boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe for approximately 500 km, the river enters into Mozambique and joins Lake Cabora Bassa. Lower Zambezi Formerly the site of dangerous rapids known as Kebrabassa, and which had blocked the early navigation of the river into the interior, the lake was created in 1974 by the construction of the Cahora Bassa Dam, and provides hydroelectric power to South Africa. Located a short distance downstream of the Cahora Bassa Dam is the regional centre of Tete on the main transport highway connecting Zimbabwe and Malawi.

From Cahora Bassa to the Indian Ocean, 650 km, the river is shallow in many places during the dry season, as the river enters a broad valley and spreads out over a large area. Only at one point, the Lupata Gorge, 320 km from its mouth, is the river confined between high hills. Here it is scarcely 200 metres wide. Elsewhere it is from 5 to 8 km wide, flowing gently in many streams. The river bed is sandy, and the banks are low and reed-fringed. At places, however, and especially in the rainy season, the streams unite into one broad fast-flowing river. On approaching the ocean the Zambezi splits up into a number of branches and forms a wide delta before eventually reaching its journeys end, escaping into the Indian Ocean.

[See The Zambezi’s final triumph (Zambezi Traveller, Issue 13, June 2013) for more on this last section of the Zambezi River.] Read about the Zambezi Region on the following pages: Zambezi River Facts and Information The Zambezi River Zambezi River means the “Great River” in the local Tonga dialect The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, after the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers. It is the longest east flowing river in Africa. It flows through six countries on its journey from its source in north-western Zambia to the Indian Ocean, an amazing 2 700 km. This river evokes mystery and excitement with few rivers in the world remaining as pristine or as little explored. The source of the mighty Zambezi River lies at about 1 500 m (4 900ft) above sea level in the Mwinilunga District, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. From there it flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana then back along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe finally discharging into the Indian Ocean at its delta in Mozambique.

The area of its catchment basin is 1 390 000 square km which is half that of the Nile. The Power of the Zambezi River has been harnessed along its journey at two points, the first being Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the second Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Both these dams are sources of hydroelectric power and supply a large portion of power to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Recently worrying reports have popped up in the press that the Zambezi Seaway Scheme, a project to open up the Zambezi to enable the transportation of goods and minerals from the hinterland, is back on the cards. Click here for full details and to leave your comments For years there has also been talk and plans of another Hydroelectric Dam to be built in the Batoka gorge just below Victoria Falls, of major concern is that these plans are very much alive again. To find out more please click on this link " Batoka Dam Project " as we continue to follow and oppose this threatening project. The rivers beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world and provides great opportunities for game viewing and various water sports.

Hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and lions are some examples of wildlife you will find along various parts of the Zambezi river. I suggest that we look at this amazing river in three sections: Upper Zambezi From the source the river flows to the south-west out of Zambia and into Angola for about 240 km (150miles). When it re-enters Zambia it is approximately 400m (1300ft) wide in the rainy season and is fast flowing at Cholwezi rapids and the Chavuma Falls. The river runs south now for a distance of about 800 km (500miles) and in this distance only drops about 180m (590ft). It is very slow flowing for most of this section as it enters an area known as the Barotse Floodplain where the width of the river reaches up to 25 km (16miles) in the rainy season. The upper part of the Zambezi River is only sparsely populated by pastoralists, farmers and fishermen.

During the rainy season when the plain is in flood a ceremony known as the Ku-omboka Ceremony take place as the local people move to higher ground to escape the flood waters. One local folk law is that the Zambezi River has a spirit called Nyami Nyami – this spirit brings them water to grow their crops and fish to eat – and so they call the river “the river of life” It then turns easterly and forms the border between Zambia and Namibia this is at the Katima Mulilo rapids. Eventually it meets the Chobe River and briefly forms a border with Botswana, before becoming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is at this point that the four countries; Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. The river then flows about another 80 km down towards Victoria Falls . This section above the falls is where tour operators run lots of exciting activities including kayaking, canoe trips , river cruises and daily floats on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides. This is a spectacular section of the river with many islands and channels, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. It teams with birds and wildlife.

The Zimbabwe side is a national park called the Zambezi National Park whilst on the Zambian side there are many small lodges which blend into the banks of the river. The Middle Zambezi The Victoria Falls are considered the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi. For the next 500 km the river serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Below the Falls the river continues to flow due east for about 200 km (120miles), cutting through gorges of basalt rock between 200 to 250 metres (660 to 820ft) high. It is in these gorges where the commercial white water rafting now takes place. The Zambezi River is graded as a grade 5 river. This is the highest grade that a river can be graded for white water rafting , meaning this is as wet and wild as it gets. The Victoria Falls also serves as a backdrop for many other adventure sports including the famous bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge . The river drops 250m over the 200 km before entering Lake Kariba.

The Kariba Dam which was completed in 1959 is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The hydroelectric power generated at the dam provides electricity for much of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba is 226 km long and in places up to 40 km wide and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry and is a fantastic tourist attraction. With its spectacular scenery, stunning sunsets, great fishing and boating opportunities it is one of the finest places on this planet for a holiday. The weather here is mostly sunny and fine but it does get very hot in mid summer, even mid winter days are warm and the nights are balmy. From the Kariba dam wall the river heads east again towards Chirundu. Beyond this the river is flanked by Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. This is the stretch of the river that the famous canoe safaris are run. Tourists have the opportunity of paddling down the river and camping overnight on the banks or more luxurious trips offer accommodation in one of the safari lodges along the way. Wonderful sightings of wildlife are experienced as the canoes slip silently by them, and encounters with Hippopotamus can be quite exciting.

This middle zone of the Zambezi river supports one of the most important wilderness areas in Africa. The middle Zambezi ends where the river enters Lake Cahora Bassa which was constructed in 1974. Formerly the site of dangerous rapids known as Kebrabassa, these rapids made navigation by large vessels up the Zambezi impossible for the early explorers and for this very reason the development of the inland was slower than had they not been there. The Lower Zambezi The lower part of the river from Cahora Bassa down to the Indian Ocean is navigable by large vessels. This section is 650 km (400miles) in length, the river is shallow in many places especially during the dry season as the river enters a broad valley and spreads out over a large area. Only at the Lupata Gorge 320 km (200miles) up from the mouth does the river flow between high hills and a gorge is formed. Elsewhere it flows gently with many small channels to explore along the way. The river bed is sandy, and the banks are low and reed-fringed, however during the rainy season these streams join to become one fast flowing river.

The Zambezi's Delta About 160 km (100miles) from the mouth, the Zambezi receives water from Lake Malawi through the Shire River. On approaching the Indian Ocean the river splits up into a number of branches and forms the Zambezi Delta. A sand bar obstructs the four principal mouths, being the Milambe, Kongone, Luabo and Timbwe. To the north a branch called Chinde has a minimum depth of 2m at the entrance and 4m a bit further in; this is the branch that is used for navigation. The delta has been effected by the building of the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams and it’s about half as wide as it was before these were finished. Share with others! Can't find what you are looking for? Use Google Search to search this site for any term you are looking for.. Zambezi River Zambezi River T he Zambezi is Africa’s fourth largest River system, after the Nile, Zaire and Niger Rivers. It runs through six countries on it’s journey from central Africa to the Indian Ocean.

Its unique value is that it is less developed than others in terms of human settlement and many areas along it’s banks enjoy protected status. It’s power has carved the spectacular Victoria Falls and the zigzagging Batoka Gorge. The Zambezi has been harnessed at various points along the way including the massive Kariba Dam between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Cabora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Plans for another dam at the Batoka gorge have fortunately been shelved. The River’s beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world providing opportunities for a myriad of water sports and game viewing. Running for a length of 2700kms, it begins it’s journey as an insignificant little spring in the corner of north-west Zambia in the Mwinilunga District. It bubbles up between the roots of a tree, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and Zaire meet. It enters Angola for about 230kms, where it accumulates the bulk of its headwater drainage, and re-enters Zambia again at Cholwezi rapids flowing due south but substantially enlarged by the entry of various tributaries.

This upper part of the river is thinly populated by pastoralists, farmers and fishermen and although wildlife is sparse it is remarkably free of pollution. This is also the scene of the remarkable Ku-omboka Ceremony where thousands of inhabitants move annually to higher ground as the Zambezi floods into the low lying plains. It passes through the flat sandy country of the Western Province, then traverses the broad, annually flooding Barotse Plains, where much of the water is lost to evaporation, then over more rocky country where it’s tranquil course is interrupted by the Ngonye falls and rapids. As it turns to an easterly direction it forms the border between Zambia and Namibia and eventually joins up with the Chobe River in the Caprivi Swamps, briefly forming a border with Botswana. For the next 500kms it serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe thundering over the Victoria Falls and through the narrow, steadily deepening Batoka Gorge, providing a fantastic playground for white water rafting, kayaking, river boarding and jet boating. From here the steep sides of the gorge eventually flatten out at the broad Gwembe Valley.

Then it flows into the Kariba dam for 281kms – it’s width at one point being 40kms. From the dam wall the river travels due north, heading east again at Chirundu. Here it is flanked by the Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side and Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean side. This middle zone supports one of Africa’s most important wilderness areas. After the Luangwa confluence, it’s a much larger Zambezi that flows into Mozambique and out towards the Indian Ocean, having provided power, food, pleasure and transport for many and a home for untold numbers of wildlife along it’s journey. Fishing Trips on the Zambezi River Zambezi River | river, Africa | Britannica.com Zambezi River Alternative Titles: Zambesi River, Zanbere River Related Topics Kariba Zambezi River, also spelled Zambesi, river draining a large portion of south-central Africa. Together with its tributaries, it forms the fourth largest river basin of the continent.

The river flows eastward for about 2,200 miles (3,540 kilometres) from its source on the Central African Plateau to empty into the Indian Ocean . With its tributaries, it drains an area of more than 500,000 square miles (1,300,000 square kilometres). The Zambezi (meaning “Great River” in the language of the Tonga people) includes along its course the Victoria Falls , one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, two of Africa’s largest hydroelectric projects. The river either crosses or forms the boundaries of six countries—Angola, Zambia, Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe , and Mozambique —and the use of its waters has been the subject of a series of international agreements. The Zambezi River basin and its drainage network. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River as seen from Zambia. G. Holton/Photo Researchers The Zambezi River at sunset.

Art Wolfe—Stone/Getty Images Physical features Physiography The Zambezi rises out of a marshy bog near Kalene Hill, Zambia , about 4,800 feet (1,460 metres) above sea level , and flows some 20 miles before entering Angola , through which it runs for more than 175 miles. In this first section of its course, the river is met by more than a dozen tributaries of varying sizes. Shortly after reentering Zambia, the river flows over the Chavuma Falls and enters a broad region of hummocky, sand-covered floodplains, the largest of which is the Barotse, or Zambezi, Plain. The region is inundated during the summer floods, when it receives fertile alluvial soils. The main tributaries intersecting the river along the plains are the Kabompo River from the east and the larger Lungué-Bungo (Lungwebungo) River from the west.

Similar Topics Kagera River The Zambezi then enters a stretch of rapids that extends from Ngonye (Sioma) Falls south to the Katima Mulilo Rapids, after which for about 80 miles it forms the border between Zambia to the north and the eastern Caprivi Strip—an extension of Namibia—to the south. In this stretch the river meanders through the broad grasslands of the Sesheke Plain until it is joined by the Cuando ( Kwando ) River. Near Kazungula, Zambia, the river, after flowing past Botswana territory to the south, turns almost due east and forms the frontier between Zambia and Zimbabwe. From the Cuando confluence to the Victoria Falls , the Zambezi varies considerably in width, from open reaches with sand islands to stretches of rapids through narrow channels separated by numerous rock islands. The Victoria Falls mark the end of the upper course of the Zambezi, as its waters tumble with a thunderous roar and an enormous cloud of spray. The area around the falls was once covered by a thick layer of lava, which as it cooled formed wide cracks, or joints, that became filled with softer sediments.

As the Zambezi cut its present valley it encountered one of these joints, eroded the sediment, and created a trench, eventually forcing a gap at the lower end of the trench that quickly widened into a gorge. The force of the water also created a second gap at the upper end of the trench that gradually diverted the river until the trench itself was left dry. As the river cut backward it repeated the process, scouring eight successive waterfalls in the past half million years. The Zambezi’s middle course extends about 600 miles from Victoria Falls to the eastern end of Lake Cahora Bassa in Mozambique. It continues to form the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe until it crosses the Mozambique border at Luangwa. Below the falls a gorge some 60 miles long has been formed by the trench-scouring process, through which the river descends in a series of rapids. Just upstream of Lake Kariba the river valley widens and is contained by escarpments nearly 2,000 feet high. The middle Zambezi is notable for the two man-made lakes, Kariba and Cahora Bassa (see below), that constitute much of this stretch of the river.

Between the two lakes the Zambezi trends northeast for nearly 40 miles before it turns east below the confluence with the Kafue River , the Zambezi’s largest tributary. In this section the river rushes through two rocky, narrow gorges, the first just below the Kariba Dam and the other above the confluence with the Luangwa River . Britannica Stories Obama Acts to Protect the Arctic At the dam at the eastern end of Lake Cahora Bassa, the Zambezi begins its lower course, during which it descends from the Central African Plateau to the coastal plain . At first the hilly country is replaced by flat areas at the head of the Tete Basin, and the river becomes more placid. About 40 miles downstream the river has cut the Lupata Gorge through a range of hills, where it emerges onto the Mozambique Plain and occupies a broad valley that spreads out in places to a width of three to five miles. Near Vila Fontes the river receives its last great tributary, the Shire River , which drains Lake Nyasa (Malaŵi) some 210 miles to the north. Africa at Random: Fact or Fiction?

At its mouth the Zambezi splits into a wide, flat, and marshy delta obstructed by sandbars. There are two main channels, each again divided into two. The wider, eastern channel splits into the Muselo River to the north and the main mouth of the Zambezi to the south. The western channel forms both the Inhamissengo River and the smaller Melambe River. North of the main delta the Chinde River separates from the Zambezi’s main stream to form a navigable channel leading to a shallow harbour. Hydrology The Zambezi, according to measurements taken at Maramba (formerly Livingstone), Zambia, experiences its maximum flow in March or April. In October or November the discharge diminishes to less than 10 percent of the maximum. The annual average flow reaches about 247,000 cubic feet (7,000 cubic metres) per second. Measurements taken at Kariba Dam reflect the same seasonal pattern; the highest flood recorded there was in March 1958, when the flow reached 565,000 cubic feet per second. Climate Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest The Zambezi River lies within the tropics.

The upper and middle course of the river is on an upland plateau, and temperatures, modified by altitude, are relatively mild, generally between 64° and 86° F (18° and 30° C). The winter months (May to July) are cool and dry, with temperatures averaging 68° F (20° C). Between August and October there is a considerable rise in average temperatures, particularly in the river valley itself; just before the rains begin in October temperatures there become excessively hot, often reaching 104° F (40° C). The rainy season lasts from November to April. Rain falls in short, intense thundershowers—the rate sometimes reaching 6 inches (150 millimetres) per hour—with skies clearing between downpours. In these months the upper Zambezi receives nearly all its total rainfall, and this accounts for the great variation in the flow of the river throughout the year. In all, the upper and middle Zambezi valley receives 22 to 30 inches of rain per year.

Studies have suggested that a microclimate in the area of Lake Kariba has created a rise in precipitation, possibly as a result of a lake breeze blocked by the escarpment that produces thunderstorms. In the lower course of the river in Mozambique the influence of the summer monsoon increases the levels of precipitation and humidity. Temperatures are also higher—determined more by the latitude and less by altitude—as the river descends from the plateau. Plant life The vegetation along the upper and middle course of the Zambezi is predominantly savanna , with deciduous trees, grass, and open woodland. Mopane woodland (Colophospermum mopane) is predominant on the alluvial flats of the low-lying river valleys and is highly susceptible to fire. Grass, when present, is typically short and sparse. Forestland with species of the genus Baikiaea, found extensively on sandy interfluves between drainage channels, is economically the most important vegetation type in Zambia, for it is the source of the valuable Rhodesian teak (Baikiaea plurijuga). Destruction of the Baikiaea forest results in a regression from forest to grassland , a slow process involving intermediate stages of scrub vegetation.

The river additionally has a distinct fringing vegetation, mainly riverine forest including ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) and small shrubs and ferns (e.g., Haemanthus). In the lower course of the Zambezi, dense bush and evergreen forest, with palm trees and patches of mangrove swamp, is the typical vegetation. Animal life Southern African floods Southern African floods Updated: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 At A Glance Major floods in late 2008 and 2009 have plunged southern Africa into a growing humanitarian crisis, killing dozens and displacing thousands. The Zambezi River Basin is affected annually by floods, bringing death and disease to those living along the banks. The fourth largest river in Africa, has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, back into Zambia, and along the borders of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean. With no sign of a let-up in the rainy weather, there are growing fears the flooding could worsen in the coming weeks and devastate the region's largely agricultural-based economies in the middle of the critical summer growing season.

The floods also raise the threat of outbreaks of malaria and cholera. By mid-March, the Zambezi River in northeast Namibia had risen to an alarming height of 7.82 metres (25.7 feet) at Katima Mulilo town - the second highest level in 40 years, according to Namibia's national paper The Namibian. The highest record for the Zambezi was 8.16m in 1969, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Namibia's president has declared a state of emergency in the north central and northeastern regions, and warned of food shortages. Many of the more than 200,000 people affected are subsistence farmers already recovering from serious floods in early 2008 which destroyed crops and homes. The north central region is affected by heavy rains in southern Angola and Namibia which have turned local rivers into raging torrents. In Angola, at least 30,000 people have been made homeless. Government figures say 90,000 hectares (222,000 acres) of land has been destroyed.

The Red Cross says more than a dozen people have died, many of them in the southern province of Cunene where more than 75,000 people have been affected. In neighbouring Zambia, officials say the country may be facing its worst floods in 40 years. In January 2008, Zambia declared a national disaster after floods swept through the landlocked nation and several neighbouring countries, killing at least 45 people and destroying roads, bridges, crops and livestock. This year's flooding has already damaged crops and roads. Parts of Zimbabwe have been affected by heavy rains since December 2008 that have worsened the country's cholera epidemic. Rains have also pounded parts of Malawi and Mozambique displacing thousands and drowning farmland. Mozambique is flood-prone. U.N. agencies have warned the flooding there could be worse than in 2000-2001 when over 700 people were killed and hundreds of thousands left homeless. Up to 300,000 people in river communities throughout central Mozambique were affected by flooding in early 2008, with 29 killed.

Every year in Malawi villagers living along the flood plain of the Shire river - the country's largest - risk losing their crops and their homes, and 2009 has been no different. At least 2,100 families have been affected since the Shire burst its banks due to heavy rains. Heavy rains in Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi have caused several swollen rivers to burst their banks, forcing thousands of villagers to flee flooded homes. Panicked residents have drowned or been killed by crocodiles as they attempted to cross rivers for higher ground. Heavy downpours are common in southern Africa in the rainy season, which runs generally from November to April. Links To find out more about the Zambezi River check out the Encyclopaedia Brittanica . It includes images, related articles and in depth background of Africa's fourth largest river. To read about the rising levels of the Zambezi River, The Namibian has the full story.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite captured images of the floods in Namibia on March 23, 2009 and also shows the region before the wet-season rains started on January 14, 2009. ReliefWeb is also another great resource to learn more about the areas affected by floods in 2009 in the southern African region. AllAfrica.com is a good source of news from southern Africa The BBC's Africa page even gives weather reports for many cities. The aid alliance Action by Churches Together is active in southern Africa, and issues regular briefings. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) , funded by the U.S. government, gives regular updates, including information on rainy seasons in different regions of each country.

Facts About The Zambezi River | Zim Tours Home / 24/7 Zim Tours / Amazon River / Arvari River / China / Electricity generation / Kariba Dam / Tourism News / Zambezi / Zambezi River Authority / Zambia / Zimbabwe / Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority / Facts About The Zambezi River Facts About The Zambezi River The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, after the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers. It is the longest east flowing river in Africa. It flows through six countries on its journey from its source in north-western Zambia to the Indian Ocean, an amazing 2 700 km. This river evokes mystery and excitement with few rivers in the world remaining as pristine or as little explored. The source of the mighty Zambezi River lies at about 1 500 m (4 900ft) above sea level in the Mwinilunga District, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. From there it flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana then back along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe finally discharging into the Indian Ocean at its delta in Mozambique.

The area of its catchment basin is 1 390 000 square km which is half that of the Nile. The Power of the Zambezi River has been harnessed along its journey at two points, the first being Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the second Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Both these dams are sources of hydroelectric power and supply a large portion of power to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Recently worrying reports have popped up in the press that the Zambezi Seaway Scheme, a project to open up the Zambezi to enable the transportation of goods and minerals from the hinterland, is back on the cards. Facts About The Zambezi River For years there has also been talk and plans of another Hydroelectric Dam to be built in the Batoka gorgejust below Victoria Falls , of major concern is that these plans are very much alive again. To find out more please click on this link " Batoka Dam Project " as we continue to follow and oppose this threatening project. The rivers beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world and provides great opportunities for game viewing and various water sports.

Hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and lions are some examples of wildlife you will find along various parts of the Zambezi river. I suggest that we look at this amazing river in three sections: Upper Zambezi From the source the river flows to the south-west out of Zambia and into Angola for about 240 km (150miles). When it re-enters Zambia it is approximately 400m (1300ft) wide in the rainy season and is fast flowing at Cholwezi rapids and the Chavuma Falls . The river runs south now for a distance of about 800 km (500miles) and in this distance only drops about 180m (590ft). It is very slow flowing for most of this section as it enters an area known as the Barotse Floodplain where the width of the river reaches up to 25 km (16miles) in the rainy season. The upper part of the Zambezi River is only sparsely populated by pastoralists, farmers and fishermen.

During the rainy season when the plain is in flood a ceremony known as the Ku-omboka Ceremony take place as the local people move to higher ground to escape the flood waters. One local folk law is that the Zambezi River has a spirit called Nyami Nyami – this spirit brings them water to grow their crops and fish to eat – and so they call the river “the river of life” It then turns easterly and forms the border between Zambia and Namibia this is at the Katima Mulilo rapids. Eventually it meets the Chobe River and briefly forms a border with Botswana, before becoming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is at this point that the four countries; Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. The river then flows about another 80 km down towards Victoria Falls . This section above the falls is where tour operators run lots of exciting activities including kayaking, canoe trips , river cruises and daily floats on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides. This is a spectacular section of the river with many islands and channels, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. It teams with birds and wildlife.

The Zimbabwe side is a national park called the Zambezi National Park whilst on the Zambian side there are many small lodges which blend into the banks of the river. The Middle Zambezi The Victoria Falls are considered the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi. For the next 500 km the river serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Below the Falls the river continues to flow due east for about 200 km (120miles), cutting through gorges of basalt rock between 200 to 250 metres (660 to 820ft) high. It is in these gorges where the commercial white water rafting now takes place. The Zambezi River is graded as a grade 5 river. This is the highest grade that a river can be graded for white water rafting , meaning this is as wet and wild as it gets. The Victoria Falls also serves as a backdrop for many other adventure sports including the famous bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge . The river drops 250m over the 200 km before entering Lake Kariba.

The Kariba Dam which was completed in 1959 is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The hydroelectric power generated at the dam provides electricity for much of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba is 226 km long and in places up to 40 km wide and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry and is a fantastic tourist attraction. With its spectacular scenery, stunning sunsets, great fishing and boating opportunities it is one of the finest places on this planet for a holiday. The weather here is mostly sunny and fine but it does get very hot in mid summer, even mid winter days are warm and the nights are balmy. From the Kariba dam wall the river heads east again towards Chirundu. Beyond this the river is flanked by Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. This is the stretch of the river that the famous canoe safaris are run. Tourists have the opportunity of paddling down the river and camping overnight on the banks or more luxurious trips offer accommodation in one of the safari lodges along the way. Wonderful sightings of wildlife are experienced as the canoes slip silently by them, and encounters with Hippopotamus can be quite exciting.

This middle zone of the Zambezi river supports one of the most important wilderness areas in Africa. The middle Zambezi ends where the river enters Lake Cahora Bassa which was constructed in 1974. Formerly the site of dangerous rapids known as Kebrabassa, these rapids made navigation by large vessels up the Zambezi impossible for the early explorers and for this very reason the development of the inland was slower than had they not been there. The Lower Zambezi The lower part of the river from Cahora Bassa down to the Indian Ocean is navigable by large vessels. This section is 650 km (400miles) in length, the river is shallow in many places especially during the dry season as the river enters a broad valley and spreads out over a large area. Only at the Lupata Gorge 320 km (200miles) up from the mouth does the river flow between high hills and a gorge is formed. Elsewhere it flows gently with many small channels to explore along the way. The river bed is sandy, and the banks are low and reed-fringed, however during the rainy season these streams join to become one fast flowing river.

The Zambezi's Delta About 160 km (100miles) from the mouth, the Zambezi receives water from Lake Malawi through the Shire River. On approaching the Indian Ocean the river splits up into a number of branches and forms the Zambezi Delta. A sand bar obstructs the four principal mouths, being the Milambe, Kongone, Luabo and Timbwe. To the north a branch called Chinde has a minimum depth of 2m at the entrance and 4m a bit further in; this is the branch that is used for navigation. The delta has been effected by the building of the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams and it’s about half as wide as it was before these were finished. Share with others! Places To Visit In Zimbabwe. ✔ A Safari on the Zambezi River - Luxury Safari Holidays Home > Blog > A Safari on the Zambezi River Back 07 / 12 / 2011 A Safari on the Zambezi River The Zambezi River is a magical place that conjures up images of mystery and adventure.

The river has remained untouched for centuries and is largely unexplored, making it a great destination for safari enthusiasts that are looking for an authentic and private adventure. For centuries wild animals have roamed the Zambezi river banks – stamping their tracks deep in the sandy beaches and wallowing in the calm, shallower waters. The Zambezi measure 3500 kilometres in length – with its source in Zambia, it flows across the continent through Angola and along the borders of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before emptying in the Indian Ocean. The landscape is spectacular and varied and includes dense woodlands, riverine forests and savannah grassland. The wildlife is equally impressive with animals like elephant, buffalo, hippo, kudu, impala, zebra, waterbuck as well as good numbers of predators like lion, cheetah and spotted hyena. There is a good choice of luxury accommodation on the Zambezi and camps like Old Mondoro, Chiawa Camp, Tongabezi Lodge and Waterberry Lodge offer authentic Zambian experiences. Activities available include traditional game drive safaris, walking safaris, fishing and boating safaris.

If you are planning to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, you will be able to enjoy a greater variety of activities that include bungee jumping, white water rafting, steam train journeys, sunset river cruises, helicopter trips, horse riding, quad biking and elephant back safaris. A Zambia safari combines well with some time in Botswana South Africa safari, followed by a lazy beach break in Mauritius. If you are thinking about taking a visiting Zambia, give us a call. One of our highly experienced safari designers would love to chat to you. Article written by: 2008 Tags Africa is waiting, Start your journey today by talking to us… 01604 628979 On Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep in touch with our team of experts… Africa Exclusive Ltd, 18 Mobbs Miller House, Christchurch Road, Northampton, NN1 5LL, United Kingdom UK: +44 (0)1604 628979 Email: enquiries@safari.co.uk Subscribe to our Newsletter Receive our monthly newsletter by email. Stay updated with the latest news, views and special offers from Africa. Find out about new camps, the progress of migrations and exciting new destinations.

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Luxury safari pricing guide We aim to provide you with your ideal holiday, individually designed just for you and expertly organised. When you book with us you receive this perfectly designed holiday, travel advice and preparation, flawless organisation of the trip, ATOL financial protection and our 25 years’ experience. Because we have excellent confidential rates with lodges and airlines, the price of your holiday will be generally the same as you would pay were you to somehow book all the lodges, transfers and flights yourself. There is a world of difference between one of our tailormade safaris and most package holidays printed in a brochure. Package holidays are usually designed to be as cheap as possible and of course involve large numbers of people doing the same thing. Our safaris use small, more exclusive and remote camps usually with guests flying in, and often virtually everything is included in the price. The experience is completely different. Many of these small lodges and camps have broadly similar prices, and it is possible to arrange a superb two week safari for between £4,000 to £7,000 per person ($7,000 – $11,000) season dependant, all inclusive.

Realistically it is difficult to reduce that figure, and by including Botswana in peak season, chartering a private plane, disappearing to some magical desert island, or flying at the front of the plane it’s easy to substantially increase that figure! Leaving us? Sign up to our monthly newsletter to recieve exciting news, holiday ideas and exclusive offers from Africa. We love to receive feedback from our clients and so if you would like to leave us a comment or ask a question please do so below. Submit

Question: Which river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe before emptying into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique?
Answer: ZAMBESI